INEC suspends Adamawa REC, Yunusa Ari for declaring APC’s Binani winner

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has suspended its Resident Electoral Commissioner REC in Adamawa, Hudu Yunusa Ari following his controversial pronouncement on Sunday after the supplementary election.

The development sparked outrage in the state and across the country, with Governor Ahmadu Fintiri accusing the REC of working for a gang.

On Monday, the national headquarters of the electoral umpire ordered Ari to stay away from the commission’s office in Yola, the state capital. This was made known in a statement signed by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, who directed the Administrative Secretary in Adamawa to take charge.

“I hereby convey the Commission’s decision that you (Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari), Resident Electoral Commissioner, Adamawa State should stay away from the Commission’s office immediately until further notice.

“The Administrative Secretary has been directed to take full charge of INEC, Adamawa State, with immediate effect,” the letter noted.